WynActive marks NAIDOC week with celebration of indigenous culture through art

This NAIDOC week, WynActive is spotlighting their commissioned artwork ‘Past & Present Dreaming’ which embodies the essence of Indigenous art and brings together the three Wyndham City Council centres, AquaPulse, Eagle Stadium, and Werribee Outdoor Pool, capturing the vibrant history and life of Wyndham.

The artwork was produced by renowned artist John Lambley, and his children Jy, Giselle, Kyle, Kain and Mason - proud Wadawurrung people living on Wadawurrung country.

NAIDOC week has a deep-rooted history that dates to the significant assembly at Australia Hall in Sydney on 26th January 1938. The transformative movement began with 1000 Aboriginal individuals advocating for citizenship rights and better legislation for First Nations communities, marking a pivotal moment in civil rights activism worldwide, later known as the Day of Mourning.

In the Wyndham area, the indigenous history is a vibrant tapestry woven with the cultural heritage of the Bunurong and Wadawurrung People, essential members of the Kulin Nation. This region intricately houses five distinctive language groups, encapsulating the profound cultural significance and connection to the land.

In a gesture of respect and acknowledgment of the traditional custodians of the land, WynActive hosted a special ceremony at Wyndham City’s Eagle Stadium on 8th July. The event commenced with a solemn welcome to country, recognising the traditional custodians of the land, followed by a traditional smoking ceremony to purify, cleanse, and protect the surroundings.

The Lambley family then presented the art piece with a story. John guided attendees through the artwork that intricately weaves together the essence of AquaPulse, Eagle Stadium and Werribee Outdoor Pool.

John Lambley shared “we are proud and honoured to be part of Wynactive inaugural NAIDOC celebrations this year. It was even more special because we, as a proud Wadawarrung family, held the ceremony on Wadawarrung country at Eagle Stadium. Unveiling & explaining the artwork added another dimension to the story telling of the celebration.”

On Friday 12th July, the community journeyed across the natural borders of the Werribee River into Bunurong country and met at AquaPulse for a final smoking ceremony to conclude WynActive’s NAIDOC celebrations.

The collaboration between art and community is a testament to the enduring spirit of reconciliation and cultural preservation. This serves as a poignant reminder of the deep connection between art, culture, and community.

As WynActive continues to honour the Indigenous roots of Wyndham, initiatives like these stands as a testament to the commitment towards celebrating diversity and creating a more inclusive society for all.

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Images top: (from left) Libby Mear (director & chair), The Lambley family, Barry Harrison (General Manager Organisational Support), Alison Dixon (CEO); image centre: Smoking ceremony and welcome to country; image below:The Lambley Family (from left) Kyle, John, Giselle, Jy, Kain, and Mason (front)